Asthma Triggers

According to the Center for Disease Control, an estimated 6.3 million children under age 18 have been diagnosed with asthma during their lifetimes. More than 320,000 children in Florida have asthma. Children with asthma miss more than ten million school days annually. Asthma is also responsible for lack of sleep and illness.

While Asthma cannot be cured, there are steps that can be taken to help prevent flare ups.  There are a number of common triggers, but each child is different, so it is best to work with your child’s doctor to identify your child’s specific triggers.

Some of the most common triggers include:

• Mold 
• Dust mites
• Cockroaches
• Pollen
• Pet dander
• Pollen

There are also irritants outside in our environment:

• Cigarette and other smoke sources
• Polluted air
• Cold/Dry air
• Fragrances

Exercise is also a contributing factor causing wheezing and tightness in the chest of about 80% of people who suffer from asthma.

In conjunction with your child’s health plan including any medications or restrictions, there are other steps that can help reduce triggers.

• Don’t smoke or allow others to smoke near your child
• Don’t have pets if your child is allergic to them. If that is not possible, remove carpeting, cover mattresses and pillows, bathe the animals on a regular basis, and invest in a HEPA filtration system for their bedroom.
• Actively reduce the infestation of cockroaches
• Watch the air quality alerts and keep children indoors on bad days
• Monitor mold in your home. The moisture in Florida makes mold more prevalent.

An asthma diagnosis in children doesn’t mean they can’t participate in sports or other activities. Clearance from your pediatrician and sensible precautions can help them enjoy daily activities.